Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the tenth anniversary of the Wise Women Awards, which we will celebrate later today in the Great Hall. One of the recipients of the award is Ms. Suzette Montreuil of Yellowknife. Recently, I had an opportunity to provide my opinion on the work and the contribution that Ms. Montreuil made to our city and the Territories.
In honour of all men and women in the Territories who work on behalf of women's issues, I would like to just share with the House what I said about what Ms. Montreuil has done to improve the lives of women in our community.
Ms. Montreuil has made enormous contributions to our community in various capacities. In the process, she has improved the lives of many, especially women in our community and throughout the North. She is well known for her involvement for providing constructive critique of social and economic policies. She has assisted in numerous loving efforts for social agencies, labour organizations and environmental groups and has participated in an extensive review of the GNWT's budget process.
She is a woman of many talents. Whether she is performing a song, reading a poem or making presentations to various levels of governments for policy changes, her conviction and clarity in thinking comes through and forces the audience to take notice of her argument and her cause.
Her powerful presentations based on strong analytical skills forces decision makers and the general public to rethink the way things are done and where the priorities are being placed on various issues such as poverty, family violence, income tax system, day care and independent schools for the Francophone.
I have also seen this in her work on behalf of the front-line health care providers and on behalf of the labour movement in the North, where she consistently displays the same strength and impact on public policy.
Having observed her work and read her writings, I believe she is one of the strongest minds and clearest thinkers in the North today. While this may appear to be an intangible work, I believe strongly that Ms. Montreuil's contribution to our northern society is invaluable and highly important in creating a society that is more broad minded and just.
I have no doubt that through her work over the many years she has improved the lives of all women as well as men. I would like to recognize her and all other women who do the same. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause